In the Middle East, Israel's top military officer, Lieutenant General Dan Halutz, suddenly resigned today.

NPR: Israeli Army Chief Resigns

Gen Dan Halutz as Chief of General Staff after the war, almost all the commanders who displayed such incompetence last summer remain in their positions.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Of men and mice

Their lack of military credentials could make Messrs Olmert and Peretz less able to lead, and thus even more dependent on the army, under its charismatic and popular chief of staff, Dan Halutz.

ECONOMIST: Israel's new government